 | --Bug Report-- What would be ATITD without its famous bugs? This page contains a list of reported bugs. When you report a bug, don't forget to say who reports it, so the staff can contact you if needed. |  | --FAQs-- Click this link will bring you to a list of frequently asked questions. It's usually good to check this list before submitting a GM call or a BugReport. Also, see the official Rules of Conduct. |
Verify all you read on the wiki. It's not official of ATITD, including this page, the FAQ and the Bugs list.
What is a Game Master?
In 'A Tale In The Desert' there are various people that serve as game administrators in a volunteer capacity. Collectively these people are referred to as 'The GMs' (Game Masters). You can contact them by placing a GM Call (Special->Call a Game Master).
What do GMs do?
There are a number of different types of GM in ATITD, each of which serves a distinct and unique role within the ATITD community. They can be broadly categorised as follows:
- Support GMs handle questions from both new and old users alike. They file bug reports, and act as an intermediary between the players and the development team. Support GMs have access to a number of tools which allow them to solve simple game-play problems without having to interrupt the game developers from their work.
When to contact them: Anytime you are encountering an issue in game. However, Game Masters aren't supposed to replace the mentors, they won't explain how the game mechanics work. Also, always place a GM call before submitting a Developer call.
- Builder GMs are responsible for shaping the landscape of the game, and populating it with all the natural resources, game courts, schools, and universities. Builder GMs have access to a comprehensive landscape construction toolset.
When to contact them: Place a Builder Call in when you notice an problem with the terrain (a tree overlaping a school for example). Those having suscribed a 12 month package should also contact them to get their special Camp decoration. If nobody answer your call (there is only a few world builders, and they are usually over busied), place a GM call in and the GMs will forward the request to the builder.
- Event Co-ordinators help with the smooth-running of in-game events. These may be player-run events (like the Tournaments or the Cooking Festivals), or "in-character" plot events. Event Co-ordinators have access to tools that help manage large groups of people, and are able to configure global waypoints. The Events Team members are not considered as GMs, and the following points about GMs don't apply to them.
Some GMs are very specialised in one specific GM role. Other GMs may wear a number of different hats.
Do GMs also play the game?
Yes. Most GMs perform their role on an ad-hoc basis; when they're not dealing with GM issues, they're playing ATITD just like any regular player. Whilst this may seem unusual compared to other MMORPG games, the arrangement is something of a necessity due to the small, independent, nature of eGenesis - ATITD is very much dependent on the support and goodwill of player volunteers. Many players consider this "player GM" system to be one of the strengths of ATITD's customer service; the GMs in ATITD have a very strong understanding of the day-to-day issues faced by players, and can very easily empathise with player problems. This level of game-experience by GMs is (surprisingly) something of a rarity within the MMORPG market, and external reviewers of the game repeatedly praise the knowledge and efficacy of its GM team.
Are GMs disadvantaged in day-to-day play in any way?
GMs may not partake in the test of the Demi Pharoah. GMs are asked to avoid competitive participation in most newly-released tests. GMs are asked not to become high-ranking players (Oracles, and potentially Sages) in disciplines where a restricted pass rate is anticipated. GMs are expected to spend time and personal resources in testing out & reproducing bugs. GMs are required to spend personal resources when fixing problems (the GMs have no way to "magically" produce objects - any items that they hand out or use in the course of their duties usually came from their own camp supplies). GMs get asked how to grow flax and find clay at least a dozen times a day :)
How accountable are the GMs?
When recruiting GMs, eGenesis selects people that it trusts to act autonomously in the best interests of the game, and whom it believes will act fairly and responsibly during their non-GM play time. The reputation and integrity of its GM team is very important to eGenesis, and any accusations of GM "power abuse" are taken very seriously. The GM commands which could be exploited for the benefit of a GM player (or his/her guildmates) are logged, and are reviewable by eGenesis staff. If you have an issue with the conduct or behaviour of a GM, please report it - either to another GM, or directly to the developers.
How do I become a GM?
The process is largely informal: when a need is identified for a new GM within a specific time-zone, applicants are usually identified on the recommendation of existing GMs. eGenesis will consider many factors when recruiting GMs, including game experience (most GMs have clocked up a bare minimum of 1,000 hours game time and 2 years experienced), strong mentoring track record (a good mentor will display many of the qualities desirable in a good GM), and good general reputation amongst the playerbase. Keep in mind that adding new GMs is quite rare.